SVP needs financial support as it cares for the poor

By Lara Pickford-Gordon

snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org

The Cyril Ross Children’s Home, El Dorado Road, Tunapuna is expected to be licensed after meeting the standards required under the Children’s Community Residences, Foster Care and Nurseries Act.

The institution was notified of the stipulations required by the Children’s Authority. It was required to have compliance certificates from both the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service (TTFS) and the St George East County Medical Officer of Health. These had to be submitted December 2022 to continue operations.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) and other institutions managing children’s Homes got an extension, the SVP to the end of June. “Now we are up to 90 per cent ready,” said Nigel Phillip, SVP National President in an interview Monday, June 5. The TTFS was expected to do a site visit and “give the approval for the fire certificate, to close the project.”

Among the other conditions the SVP had to fulfil: installation of smoke detectors and an emergency escape route, erect signage, and change to light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. The Home must have a designated muster point for emergency evacuation and staff must acquire food badges.

Phillip disclosed that there must also be a transitional area for three residents who are over 18 years. These “young adults” have different disabilities and require supervision.

Phillip said “kudos” to the Ministry of Gender and Child Development in the Office of the Prime Minister for assistance with upgrading the facility. The Home can accommodate 43 children.

Increased demand for food help

Since the Centre for Socially Displaced Persons (CSDP) closed September last year, Phillip said the SVP continues to provide food support to street dwellers in need.

The Centre was located at Riverside Plaza car park and provided a transitional space for persons of varied circumstances. The persons being accommodated were relocated by the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, reunited with family members etc; 34 persons, some of whom had employment, declined placement and 20 left voluntarily, according to a media release from the Ministry last year.

“Besides giving meals to persons on the street who would request a meal, we’ve seen an influx of unemployed women coming into the office for food assistance,” Phillip said.

Information collected indicate they came from Maracas, San Juan, Beetham, Laventille, and East Dry River. “What we realise is some of these people are illiterate; some of them are unable to read and write. They seem to be living in deplorable conditions when they explain where they live,” Phillip said.

The lack of food also prevents parents from supplying a meal for their children apart from the meal given by the School Nutrition Programme. Persons who wish to help the SVP with food can donate items like rice, peas, corned beef, tinned sausages, and salmon.

The SVP also provides clothing to the destitute including persons who have a job interview and need suitable attire. Phillip said, “You don’t have to have the money to pay for it; if they have and want to pay $5 for a shirt there will be that option.”

There have been a few questionable items from clothes donations. “Not everything someone brings they will wear. Sometimes people bring in things like underwear, which I don’t understand, sometimes dirty, no elastic etc”.

Costly renovations

The Nazareth House, a half-way house for men at Duncan Street, opposite the SVP Secretariat, is presently without electricity. There is an arrears of about $17,000. Phillip said while some money was paid, the arrears continued to increase.

He said the SVP has major projects which the Society had to undertake, the licensing of Cyril Ross Children’s Home, and next is Finbar Ryan Geriatric Home which has a leaking roof. Phillip said repairs will cost $1 million.

A fundraising concert, an evening of Musical Excellence, will be held at 7.30 p.m. on June 24 to raise funds for upgrades. The venue is the St Dominic’s Hall on the St Finbar’s RC Church compound in Diego Martin.

The lineup includes Leandra, Michael Phillips, Wendell Constantine, Ray Holman, Kevon Carter, and Chantal Moyenne and Esdelle.

“The Home faces several challenges. As an NGO we rely on the public for assistance and Covid reduced the contributions we had received. We anticipate a successful event to raise funds for essential maintenance and facility upgrades for the Finbar Ryan Home,” said Phillip.

Persons who are interested in further helping the Home can assist with providing beds for the residents, adopt a room to help with maintenance, or donate to account number: 93011947846 RBC Westmoorings.